Trans-Canada Highway closed in B.C. Interior due to collisions, avalanche risk

The highway was closed for several kilometres east of Golden after a semi truck spun out in slippery conditions, blocking all four lanes of the major east-west route. (Handout)

A section of the Trans-Canada Highway through the B.C. Interior was closed Wednesday as a series of atmospheric rivers began dumping heavy snow and rain across much of the province.

DriveBC reports the highway was ordered closed in both directions between the communities of Revelstoke and Golden for avalanche control work that is expected to last from 11 a.m. until midnight.

Meanwhile, the highway was closed for several kilometres east of Golden after a semi truck spun out in slippery conditions, blocking all four lanes of the major east-west route.

According to police, the spun-out truck was also struck by another truck and a passenger vehicle.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries in this incident,” Cpl. Brett Urano said in a statement. “The highway is closed in both directions due to the vehicle incident and avalanche control.”

Drivers are asked to be mindful of road conditions while travelling over the next several days.

Forecasts for the Yoho National Park region near Golden were calling for approximately 40 centimetres of new snow in the area Wednesday, raising avalanche risks to their highest warning levels.